Horseman James E. Crane, 57, of Middletown, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, January 19.
Crane was a son of Steven and Ethel (Lainhart) Crane. He worked 35 years for Swifty Gas and Oil at various locations; and most recently as the station manager at Swifty’s in New Paris.
Along with his family, James raised, trained and raced standardbreds and was well-known in harness racing circles. He is preceded in death by his father on July 1, 1998: maternal grandparents Sanford and Donie Lainhart; paternal grandparents Steve and Mary Crane; and paternal uncle Albert Crane.
James is survived by his mother, Ethel Crane, of Middletown; brother Billy Joe Crane of Middletown; maternal uncles Junior Lainhart (wife Wilma) and Jerry Lainhart (wife Pat) all of Richmond, Ky.; paternal uncles and aunts Charles Whittamore, J.B. Crane, Beaulah Willis, Eula Combs and Jewel Evans, all of Ky.; and a host of cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24 at the Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens - 3377 US Rt. 35 - West Alexandria, OH. James’ uncle, Charles Whittamore, will officiate the service.
Friends may call on the family from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assn. Burial Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Online condolences can be left at rlcfc.com or at the comments section which appears below this notice.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of James Crane.
(USTA)